Upgrade your defensive gear in one go with the AR1000 Level III+ Loadout. This complete bundle features two Highcom AR1000 Guardian Steel Plates, two spall liners, and one Fortis Alpha Carrier (available in Black, Coyote Brown, or Ranger Green). Designed to protect against high-velocity rifle threats while staying comfortable and low-profile, this loadout equips you with level III+ ballistic protection, improved spall mitigation, and a durable carrier that’s ready for any mission.

What’s Included
(2) Highcom AR1000 Guardian Level III+ Steel Plates
- NIJ 0101.06 Certified Level III+ rifle protection
- Single-Curve, Shooter’s Cut for comfort and maneuverability
- U-H-H (Ultra High Hardness) Steel construction
- Anti-Spall Rhino Extreme™ 11-50 Coating for fragment containment
- Nominal 9.5" x 11.5" dimensions (commonly referred to as 10" x 12")
- Lightweight: ~5.8 lbs each, 0.35" thin
(2) Spall Liners
- Special para-aramid fiber blend designed to capture bullet fragments (spall) upon impact
- Used in front of steel plates for an added layer of spall mitigation
- 10″ x 12″ size (one liner per plate)
- Dual-Purpose: Can also be used as a trauma pad
(1) Fortis Alpha Carrier
- Lightweight, Adjustable Design for maximum comfort
- Made with 500D Nylon plus 1000 Denier Laser-Cut MOLLE for next-level durability
- Features American-Made Cordura®, bonded nylon thread, and discreet admin pocket
- 1” Quick Attach Surface Mount (QASM) Buckles (removable)
- Built-in 1” Nylon Drag Handle
- One Size Fits Most thanks to highly adjustable straps
- Available in Black, Coyote Brown, or Ranger Green
Key Benefits
All-in-One Protection: Eliminate guesswork with a curated loadout that pairs certified Level III+ steel plates and spall liners for extra fragment defense—all in a robust plate carrier.
Enhanced Spall Mitigation: Combining Rhino Extreme™ 11-50 Coating on the steel plates with para-aramid spall liners means you’re better protected from secondary fragmentation that can occur upon impact.
Superior Comfort & Fit
- Shooter’s cut plates plus a single-curve profile help maintain range of motion.
- The Fortis Alpha Carrier offers adjustable straps, laser-cut MOLLE, and a cushioned fit for extended wear.
Quality & Durability
- Highcom AR1000 Guardian Plates are NIJ 0101.06 Certified.
- The Fortis Alpha Carrier is crafted with 500D Nylon, bonded nylon thread, and American-made Cordura® to handle demanding conditions.
Versatility: Ideal for law enforcement, security, prepared civilians, or anyone seeking an upgrade to their existing armor setup. Plus, the Fortis Alpha Carrier’s laser-cut MOLLE supports a range of pouches and attachments.
Technical Highlights
- Steel Plate Thickness: ~0.35" each
- Plate Weight: 6 lbs each
- Carrier Material: 500D Nylon, 1000 Denier Laser-Cut MOLLE
- Color Options (Carrier): Black, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green
- Plate Certifications: NIJ 0101.06 Certified, Listed on NIJ’s CPL, DEA Hard Armor Protocol Compliant, RST (Rifle Special Threats) Validated
- Spall Liners: 10" x 12" para-aramid fiber, (two included)
Rating & Testing
The Highcom AR1000 plate is rated to meet and exceed Level III. To learn more about the NIJ body armor standards, read our Understanding Body Armor Ratings article.
BALLISTIC ROUNDS TESTED | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
STANDARD | WEAPON | PROJECTILE | GR | VEL FT/S | VEL M/S (+/- FT/S) |
NIJ 0101.06 | Rifle | 7.62mm FMJ, Steel Jacketed Bullets (M80) | 147 | 2780 | 847 (+/- 30) |
DEA 2017 | Rifle | .223 Remington Tactical Bonded Soft Point | 62 | 2600 | 792 (+/- 50) |
DEA 2017 | Rifle | 5.56 x 45mm M855 (Green Tip) | 62 | 3100 | 945 (+/- 50) |
DEA 2017 | Rifle | 7.62 x 39mm Mild Steel Core | 123 | 2400 | 731 (+/- 50) |
DEA 2017 | Rifle | 7.62mm FMJ, Steel Jacketed Bullets (M80) | 147 | 2750 | 838 (+/- 50) |
DEA 2017 | Rifle | .308 Winchester PSPB Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded | 150 | 2600 | 792 (+/- 50) |
Special | Rifle | 5.56 x 45mm M193 FMJ | 55 | 3250 | 991 (+/- 50) |
OFFICIAL TEST REPORT
Want to see the full test report? Download the test document below:
*Note: In the penetration column, "P" stands for partial penetration, meaning the bullet was captured by the armor and did not fully pass through. This is a successful result. A failure would be marked as "C" or "CP" for complete penetration, indicating the bullet fully passed through the armor.
View Full Test Report (PDF)Get enhanced protection with the Spall Liner
For maximum safety, our advanced spall liners are included in this bundle. Designed to contain projectile fragments upon impact, the spall liner significantly enhances protection, making it ideal for high-risk environments where maximum defense is essential.
How to Set It Up
- Plate + Spall Liner Placement: Place a spall liner in front of each steel plate within the Fortis Alpha Carrier’s plate pocket.
- Adjust the Carrier: Cinch down or loosen the shoulder and waist straps for a secure, comfortable fit.
- Organize Your Loadout: Use the laser-cut MOLLE to attach pouches, tools, or accessories as needed.

Why Choose the AR1000 Level III+ Loadout?
In uncertain times, comprehensive protection is key. The AR1000 Level III+ Loadout offers a best-in-class blend of ballistic defense, spall reduction, and carrier comfort—perfect for demanding missions or everyday preparedness. By combining two Highcom AR1000 Guardian Plates, two spall liners, and the Fortis Alpha Carrier, you have everything you need in one efficient package.
Shipping
- Quick fulfillment! All in stock orders leave our facility within 1-3 Business Days
- No international shipping at this time
- We are unable to ship to Connecticut & New York due to shipping restrictions
- Easy returns and exchange policy
FAQ
Is body armor legal?
Body armor is legal to own in all 50 states (but we can not ship it to the state of Connecticut or New York).
What if I'm between sizes? Or on the border for the next size up?
This carrier is one size fits most and is highly adjustable.
Does the Fortis Alpha Carrier have side protection?
The carrier alone does not provide any ballistic protection. The two (2) AR1000 plates included in this bundle are rated to meet and exceed Level III protection.
Where do I put the rifle-rated plates?
There is a pocket at the bottom of the front and back of the vest to insert your plates.
Can I wash my vest?
The outer carrier is machine washable. Simply remove any plates, then we recommend washing the carrier on gentle. Lay the carrier flat to dry.
Law Enforcement / First Responder / Military discount available
Please see TERMS & CONDITIONS for additional details regarding lead time, shipping, warranty & return policy.